Nick Mullens doesn’t participate in the vicious Oklahoma drills that have become a staple of spring practice at Southern Miss this year.

But the sophomore quarterback is usually the first person you see when the dust settles, picking guys up and patting guys on the helmet and shouting words of encouragement.

That’s just how he is. It’s also what has made his transition from the bottom of the depth chart to the starting lineup much smoother than it normally would be with a young quarterback.

“I try to just keep the guys going and always have positive energy. That’s my job, to execute and make plays and be there vocally. When a guy’s down, pick him up,” Mullens said.

“Coach (Todd Monken) says, ‘Take guys with you as you practice. Get guys to practice on your level.’ So that’s what I’m trying to do.”

And if the rest of the team does practice on Mullens’ level, Southern Miss will be a much tougher out in 2014.

The Hoover, Ala., native has kicked his work ethic into overdrive as he takes the reins of the team in year two of the Monken era.

“I think leaders are guys that bring other people with them and they’ve got nowhere to go. He’s always in (the athletic facility) watching film. He’s never getting punished,” Monken said. “He’s on time to class. In the weight room, he never cheats on reps. He’s one of the hardest-working guys we’ve got.”

That’s high praise from a coach who preaches energy and effort like the gospel.

But that’s just how good of an impression Nick Mullens has made on the program since being named the starter in the middle of last season. He’s sometimes so good that he overshadows just how young he really is.

“It’s hard because you forget that he just got here and that he’s only been here since, really, last summer,” Monken said. “Unfairly to him, we probably expect too much in terms of processing (and) decision-making because he’s so smart. He wants to do well to such a high standard, so it’s difficult.”

With his old high school coach as his new offensive coordinator and an entire off-season to study, Mullens has improved his mental game just as much as his on-field play.

The sophomore made it a point to get better in the film room, which will pay much-needed dividends in the future.

“Coming out here and getting better off the field as (well as) on the field is what I’m trying to do,” Mullens said.

“Being able to see things quicker and then adjust and react,” he said. “I think that’s what I’ve gotten better at throughout the off-season prep and spring out here. I’m just trying to get better and make plays.”

Being a starting quarterback means more than Xs and Os, and Mullens understands that.

He’s taken an active and vocal role in the locker room and is considered a leader by teammates and coaches. His mantra is simple: try hard enough to be the best, and eventually you will.

“It was how I was raised to always be the best at anything. Whatever I can do, I just (try) to be the best at it, so I think it’s a natural thing,” Mullens said. “As a quarterback, you’ve got to take that responsibility to lead your team. The leader always works the hardest and that’s what I try and do.”